Johnny Manziel on Alabama win: ‘Probably the high point of my career’

Johnny Manziel leading Texas A&M to a 29-24 win over Alabama in Tuscaloosa in 2012 is one of the more memorable games of the past decade in the SEC.

Since that game, Manziel’s career hasn’t unfolded the way he had hoped. But in an interview with Clay Travis, Manziel reflected back on what was the signature moment of his playing career.

“It’s a moment I’ll never forget. To go out and really jump out on them, it was a little bit demoralizing to them because that doesn’t really happen to Alabama,” Manziel told Travis. “To be cliche, that was the high-point of my career.”

Alabama ended up winning the national championship that year and the loss to Texas A&M was the only blemish on its record. The Aggies jumped out to a 20-0 lead in the first quarter, and thanks to Manziel’s efforts held on to spring Texas A&M past the Crimson Tide. Manziel threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 92 yards.

He also completed one of the more iconic plays of past decade when he bobbled, recovered and connected with Ryan Swope in the endzone for a touchdown.

The Alabama win proved to be the signature moment Manziel needed to win the Heisman Trophy that year. He became the first freshman to win the award.

Manziel added that he still has hopes of playing in the NFL. He also commented on his coach Kevin Sumlin, who is on the hot seat entering this season.

“I know he’s on a little bit of a hot seat right now but I think these programs to a lot of time to turn. I hope they’re patient with him but I know that’s probably not going to be the case this year,” Manziel said.

With Manziel as his quarterback, Sumlin went 20-6. But the Aggies have gone 8-5 in each of the past three seasons and the quarterback position has been a bit of a revolving door.

Texas A&M begins this season on the road against UCLA. The Aggies and Bruins face off on Sept. 3.